Application of Electrical Geophysical Method in Site Selection for Viable Area for Agricultural Practices: A Case Study of Ukpenu-Ibhiese and Iruekpen Edo State-Nigeria

Abstract

Electrical geophysical method was applied, to select viable area with essential soil nutrients for plant’s growth. Conventional soil test analysis was carried out for the purpose of confirmation. A case study was done at Ukpenu-Ibhiese and Iruekpen in Ekpoma. The result of the electrical resistivity geophysical method showed that southwest and northwest of the area has resistivity values that ranged between 80Ωm to 170Ωm while the remaining part of the area has values higher than  170Ωm, ranged from  580Ωm to 950Ωm. Values of organic matter, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium,  obtained from the soil test in area with 80Ωm to 170Ωm indicated good proportion of essential soil nutrients for plant growth while area with resistivity values that ranged from 580Ωm to 950Ωm was deficient in essential soil nutrients for plant growth. The results further proved that soil electrical physical properties thus detected and mapped can be used as a proxy of physical, chemical, and biological features relevant for the appropriate site selection and soils management, based on their resistivity behavior, spatial variability, and time dynamics in the area of study.